He says he discussed trade, investment and human rights issues during his meeting with Yang Jiechi, his Chinese counterpart.

In a teleconference from the Chinese capital, Baird said he told the Chinese authorities that an extradition case involving one of China’s most-wanted fugitives will have to go through normal channels.

Fugitive Chinese financier Lai Changxing is in jail in Canada and has been fighting extradition for more than a decade. He is accused of masterminding a multibillion-dollar smuggling network.

Baird says the Canadian legal system will deal with the case and that he has no role in the matter.

The minister said he sees engagement and discussion as the keys to continuing to improve relations between the two countries.

The Conservative government has been criticized for letting ties with China slip some years ago, but Baird says that has changed.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited China two years ago and the relationship has grown since then, Baird says.

"We welcome more of that," he said. "Our government will always be prepared to stand up for the national interest when things are not of net benefit to Canada but, thus far, the assessments made have been that the Chinese investment is of net benefit to Canada."

Baird is to leave China on Thursday and fly to Bali, Indonesia for a meeting of ASEAN ministers.